Cost of living in California
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in California are 10.7% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 110.7 (U.S. = 100), making it the most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare California with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs California prices
- 12.3% cheaper
- Take-home in California at $75,000
- $57,843$4,820 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $50,705$4,225 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +21.5%+$10,887 a year in California buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your California take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare California with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with California as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to California? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
California prices by category
| Category | California | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 110.7 | +10.7% |
| Goods | 106.1 | +6.1% |
| Housing (rent) | 154.3 | +54.3% |
| Utilities | 158.9 | +58.9% |
| Other services | 102.6 | +2.6% |
Housing is the main reason California costs more: rents run 54% above average. The overall price level fell 1.3% relative to the nation versus 2023 (112.2). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in California, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,335 | $40,665 | $36,728 | $45,159 |
| $75,000 | $17,157 | $57,843 | $52,243 | $67,738 |
| $100,000 | $27,175 | $72,825 | $65,774 | $90,318 |
At $75,000, California ranks #50 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: California paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in California equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to California. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in California once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | −6.6% | $70,015 | $71,805 |
| Nevada | −9.7% | $67,724 | $62,292 |
| Arizona | −9.1% | $68,197 | $64,244 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −21.5% | $58,890 | $55,774 |
| Mississippi | −21.5% | $58,901 | $55,684 |
| Iowa | −20.7% | $59,449 | $56,195 |
| Oklahoma | −20.7% | $59,503 | $56,910 |
| Hawaii | −0.7% | $74,479 | $75,193 |
| Washington, DC | −0.7% | $74,445 | $73,939 |
| New Jersey | −1.7% | $73,703 | $72,440 |
| New York | −2.5% | $73,104 | $72,824 |
| Texas | −12.3% | $65,745 | $60,392 |
| Florida | −6.6% | $70,051 | $64,525 |
Moving from California to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is California expensive to live in?
California has a price level of 110.7 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 10.7% above the national average. It ranks #51 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in California?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $83,040 in California before taxes. After California taxes, $75,000 takes home $57,843 — worth $52,243 at U.S.-average prices, #50 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in California?
California's housing price level is 154.3, meaning rents are 54.3% above the national average. Goods are 106.1 and utilities 158.9.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Nevada (price level 100.0, −9.7% vs California). A $75,000 California salary is equivalent to $62,292 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.